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The World Assembly of Delegates is the highest authority of the OIE.
It comprises the Delegates of all Member Countries and meets at least once a year. The General Session of the Assembly lasts five days and is held every year in May in Paris.
Voting by Delegates within the Assembly respects the democratic principle of 'one country, one vote'.
The main functions of the Assembly are:
In addition, during the General Session, two technical items of general interest are dealt by speakers chosen for their specialist knowledge, and the animal health situation worldwide is presented in summary form with additional information provided by each Member Country.
The work of the World Assembly of Delegates is prepared by the Council, which consists of nine Delegates and meets under the chairmanship of the President of the Assembly each year, at least , in February and May.
During the General Session, Delegates have an opportunity to meet in their respective Regional Commissions to discuss problems of common interest.